What is Cat Declawing and is it Good for your Cat?

Cat owners often face the decision of whether to declaw their cats or not. However, cat declawing is a controversial surgical procedure, it has faced bans in various countries due to concerns about its implications. Many animal welfare organisations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), oppose declawing. 

They argue that it constitutes a major surgical alteration of a cat's natural anatomy and behaviour, primarily for the convenience of pet owners. While this procedure has been debated extensively, it's also crucial to understand what cat declawing is, when it is needed, the types of cat declawing procedures, pros and cons, side effects, and other safer alternatives. 

Cat declawing, formally called onychectomy, is a surgical intervention involving amputating the final segment, often called the "knuckle," of a cat's toes. 

This procedure goes beyond merely removing the nails; it encompasses the complete removal of the nail bed, which includes excising the last bone of the cat’s toe. It's important to note that declawing is typically performed on the cat's front paws, not all four.

Given the availability of alternative approaches to address scratching behaviour and the potential for lasting harm to the cat's physical and mental well-being, many veterinarians and animal welfare advocates recommend exploring safer options to manage scratching behaviours. These alternatives will be further discussed in the subsequent sections of this article.

Declawing should generally be viewed as a last resort and only considered in specific circumstances. Here's when declawing might be deemed necessary:

• Excessive Destructive Scratching: If a cat's scratching behaviour becomes excessively destructive and poses a significant threat to furniture, belongings, or other pets, some cat owners might contemplate declawing to prevent property damage and maintain a harmonious household.
  
• Health Concerns for Humans: In cases where a family member has health conditions that can be aggravated by scratches, such as individuals with compromised immune systems or bleeding disorders, declawing might be considered to mitigate potential risks.
  
• Avoiding Cat Abandonment: Some owners consider declawing to ensure their cat remains in their care. This could arise when a cat's scratching behaviour leads to challenges or strained relationships, and the owner fears the cat might otherwise be surrendered or abandoned.
  
• Limited Alternatives: In certain situations, due to allergies, lifestyle constraints, or other factors, pet owners may believe that declawing is the only viable solution to address scratching behaviour.

It's important to recognise that declawing is a major surgical procedure that involves amputating a part of the cat's toes. Here's an overview of the procedure:

• Anaesthesia: The cat is placed under general anaesthesia to ensure it doesn't experience pain or discomfort during the surgery.
  
• Preparing the Cat: Once the cat is anaesthetised, its paws are carefully cleaned and sanitised to prevent the risk of infection.
  
• Surgical Techniques: There are a few different techniques that veterinarians may use to perform declawing, including Disarticulation, Laser Declawing, Tendonectomy, and Clippers.
  
• Closure and Recovery: The cat is closely monitored as it recovers from the anaesthesia. Pain management is critical to the recovery process, and medications may be prescribed to alleviate discomfort.
  
• Post-Operative Care: Cats require a period of rest and limited activity during their recovery.

There are several types of cat declawing procedures, each involving the removal of a cat's claws to varying degrees. Here are the main types of declawing procedures:

1. Disarticulation (Amputation):

This method involves the complete removal of the entire toe bone. Ligaments attached to the bone are disconnected, resulting in the removal of the entire digit. It is less common due to the higher risk of complications and increased pain for the cat.

2. Laser Declawing:

This method involves using a surgical laser to remove the cut-off of the third digit. Laser declawing may result in less bleeding and potentially reduced pain. However, the cost of laser declawing is usually higher than other methods.

3. Tendonectomy:

Tendonectomy is an alternative procedure that doesn't involve removing the claw itself. Instead, the veterinarian cuts the tendons that control the extension of the cat's claws. While the cat's claws remain intact, they cannot be extended, rendering them less harmful for scratching. 

4. Clippers:

Clippers are the traditional method of declawing, where a sterile clipper is used to cut through the third bone of each toe, where the claw grows. Using clippers can result in bleeding, which is usually controlled with surgical techniques or cautery.

Declawing a cat is a controversial topic with both potential advantages and disadvantages. It's important to consider both sides before making a decision. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of declawing:

Pros of Cat Declawing:

• Prevents damage to furniture and belongings.
• Decreases the risk of scratches to humans and other pets.
• Can mitigate extreme scratching behaviours and related stress.
• A last resort is to keep cats in homes with serious scratching issues.

Cons of Cat Declawing:

• Causes pain, infection, bleeding, and anaesthesia risks.
• Alters gait and balance and can lead to aggression or litter box aversion.
• Removes defence, climbing, and play functions of claws.
• Banned in some places due to ethical issues and feline welfare.
• Increases risks of joint problems, arthritis, and urinary issues.
• Might only partially solve scratching problems and can lead to new issues.

Here are some of the side effects of declawing a cat:

• Pain and Discomfort: Cats have retractable claws, and declawing involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. This can lead to immediate post-surgery pain and long-term discomfort, making it painful for the cat to walk, jump, or even use the litter box.
  
• Behavioural Changes: Cats rely on their claws for various natural behaviours, including scratching, stretching, and climbing. Declawed cats often exhibit behavioural changes such as increased aggression, biting, or inappropriate urination, as they lose their primary means of defence and communication.
• Difficulty Defending Themselves: In the absence of claws, cats are less capable of defending themselves in case of danger. This can make them more vulnerable to attacks from other animals, increasing their risk of injury or death.
• Litter Box Problems: Pain and discomfort can lead to litter box aversion in declawed cats. They may associate the pain with the litter box and avoid using it, leading to litter box problems that can be frustrating for both the cat and the owner.
• Gait Abnormalities: Cats' claws also play a role in their balance and coordination. Declawed cats may develop gait abnormalities due to the altered mechanics of their paws, making them less agile and prone to injury.
• Long-Term Health Issues: Declawing can lead to long-term health issues, such as arthritis and joint pain. The loss of claws alters the cat's natural posture and can put stress on their joints, potentially leading to chronic pain as they age.
• Emotional Distress: Cats can experience emotional distress after declawing, as they may feel vulnerable and anxious. This can result in a decrease in their overall quality of life.

By incorporating safer alternatives into your cat's routine, you can effectively manage scratching behaviours while promoting their physical and mental well-being. These approaches respect the cat's instincts and help maintain a harmonious relationship between you and your feline companion.

• Trimming Cat's Nails: Regularly trim your cat's nails every two to three weeks to prevent excessive scratching. If you're uncomfortable doing it yourself, seek professional help from a veterinarian or groomer.
• Nail Caps: Consider using vinyl nail caps for your cat's claws. These caps don't impede natural growth but should be replaced every four to six weeks as nails grow.
• Provide Scratching Outlets: Set up scratching posts in areas where your cat prefers to scratch. Use different textures and both vertical and horizontal scratchers to find their preferences.
• Positive Training: Train your cat to use a scratching post early on. Use pheromone sprays or catnip to attract them to the post, and reward them with treats when they use it.
• Deterrents: Use double-sided tape, aluminium foil, or pet-friendly deterrent sprays on furniture to discourage scratching in undesirable areas.
• Interactive Toys: Engage your cat with interactive toys and playtime to reduce stress and encourage healthier behaviours.
• Stress Management: Identify and address stressors in your cat's environment, as stress can lead to destructive behaviours. Consider pheromone diffusers to create a calming atmosphere.
• Regular Vet Checkups: Regular veterinary checkups can catch any health issues early on and address any pain or discomfort that might lead to scratching.

Therefore, the practice of cat declawing is a contentious issue that demands careful consideration. While it may seem like a solution to scratching problems, it comes with ethical concerns and potentially severe consequences for our feline friends. Ultimately, the decision to declaw a cat should not be taken lightly. It requires a thorough assessment of the cat's needs, consultation with a veterinarian, and awareness of the legal restrictions in your area.